Review: Mrs Doubtfire at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Invited: Reviewed by Stephen Stokoe on 25 September 2026

This is now the third time I have seen this production, once when it first hit these shores in Manchester and also when the hip granny inevitably headed to the bright lights of London’s West End. Now the production is touring the UK and for the next few weeks has taken up residence at the Theatre Royal.

Gabriel Vick once more dons the pinny and prosthetics to bring us his superlative version of the character made famous by the late, and sorely missed Robin Williams for this UK tour of Mrs Doubtfire and he has lost none of his vim and vigour for the part. In many ways, he has made this part his own and, perhaps in deference to his long service, he seems to have been given free rein to explore the character and his/her relationship with the audiences. He is captivating from his opening monologue, through some incredibly physical sequences, right through to the emotional finale which never ceases to bring a tear to my eye.

For those who do not know it, the story follows flighty and carefree father and husband Daniel Hillard whose long suffering wife Miranda (Kara Lily Hayworth) has had enough of his antics and promptly files for divorce. Daniel moves out of the family home and is horrified when the judge grants Miranda sole custody of their three children until he finds suitable employment and lodgings. Miranda, a working mother decides to hire a nanny to help with the children but Daniel has other ideas. Enlisting the help of his brother, Frank (Ryan Pidgen) and his husband Andre (Jairus McClanahan) disguises himself as the perfect nanny and is ultimately employed by the unsuspecting Miranda as her children’s new carer.

The children, Lydia (Aaliya Mai), Christopher (Charlie Banks), and Natalie (Mila Issacs) soon take to this new strangely familiar nanny and hilarity ensues. That is until Christopher catches Mrs Doubtfire in a state of undress and uncovers the truth of their father’s deception.

^{Pictured: Aaliya Mai, Harty Gill, Dexter Pulling (Front) Kara Lily Hayworth (Rear)}

The rest of the show is largely Daniel trying to keep his secret from all manner of people such as the court liaison, Wanda Sellner (Samuelle Durojalya) assigned to ensure that Daniel is keeping to the dictates of the court, Miranda’s new boyfriend, Stuart Dunmire (James Darch) and Hillard’s new boss, TV Executive Janet Lundy (Kiera Haynes).

Everyone in the entire company play their parts incredibly well. The children tonight were incredible, Banks as the football loving only son of Daniel sang beautifully and really enjoyed his dancing. This role is also played by Alexander Beaumont, Joshua Miles, and Dexter Pulling at other performances. Issacs was adorable as the youngest member of the Hillard family and her timing was outstanding for an actor so young. Natalie is also played by Santi Cohen, Harly Gill, and Hattie Leddington-Wright in other performances.

For lovers of the original film, this adaptation is largely faithful to the movie with some modernisations and only slight changes to the overall story for staging purposes. The reveal, for example does not have Daniel poison his love rival but instead gets caught up in the entertainment in the restaurant and losing his costume in the process. The TV executive has been gender swapped into a no nonsense businesswoman and Haynes carries this off with some wonderful deadpan humour which, I think, works incredibly well.

There are some lovely cameos from the hard-working ensemble too. Daniel’s brother and his husband have much more involvement in this production and the chemistry between Pigden and McClanahan is a joy to watch.

I think the only slight reservation I have on the third watching of this show is that the set has been pared back significantly perhaps simply for logistical reasons but it did seem a little bare in places especially at the beginning of the show.

This does not take away from the spectacle of the company or the quality of the performances. The band led by musical director Iestyn Griffiths produced a magnificent sound to accompany some amazing vocals from everyone. Great to see Tim Bloomer back in the north east on guitars too.

It would be hard not to look further than the star of the show Gabriel Vick for particular praise. His characterisation, his voice skills, his athleticism, and his ability to improvise is staggering and long may he bring his Daniel/Euphegenia to the stages up and down this land which is, of course, Mrs Doubtfire’s spiritual home.

Mrs Doubtfire plays at the Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday 11th October and I would not be at all surprised if this delighted fan boy did not pop back to see it again – it really is that good.

Photo Credits: Matt Crockett